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Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience (CRCNS) Grant (15-595): FAQs

1) What is the CRCNS program?

The Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience (CRCNS) program is a joint, multi-agency government grant opportunity that supports collaborative projects using computational and theoretical approaches to better understand the nervous system.

2) What is the main purpose of CRCNS funding?

CRCNS aims to advance knowledge of how nervous systems are structured and how they function, deepen understanding of mechanisms involved in nervous system disorders, and clarify the computational strategies the nervous system uses to process information and control behavior.

3) What kinds of disciplines and methods does CRCNS draw on?

The program sits at the intersection of neuroscience and computation, drawing on methods and findings from computer science, engineering, mathematics, biology, and related disciplines.

4) Who are the participating agencies and partners?

Participating organizations include the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States, along with international partners: Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the French National Research Agency (ANR), and the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation (BSF).

5) Does CRCNS support collaborative projects across institutions?

Yes. A key feature of CRCNS is explicit support for teamwork across institutions.

6) Are international collaborations allowed under CRCNS?

Yes. Projects can be domestic or international, and the solicitation describes multiple pathways for international collaboration.

7) How are non-US parts of an international collaboration funded?

When an international collaboration is proposed, the non-US portions may be supported through parallel funding mechanisms by the relevant partner agencies (for example, BMBF, ANR, or BSF, depending on the collaboration).

8) What international collaboration options are specifically highlighted?

The solicitation highlights bilateral options (US-Germany and US-France for both research and data sharing; US-Israel for research) as well as multilateral proposals involving the United States plus two or more additional countries.

9) What are the two main types of submissions accepted?

The opportunity accepts two submission types: Research Proposals and Data Sharing Proposals.

10) What is a Research Proposal under CRCNS?

Research Proposals support collaborative research projects that develop or apply computational models, analytic methods, and data-driven approaches to questions in neuroscience and neurobiology.

11) What is a Data Sharing Proposal under CRCNS?

Data Sharing Proposals focus on enabling broader community access to data sets and other research resources, reflecting the program's emphasis on well-curated, usable, and widely shared data and tools.

12) Does CRCNS fund both scientific discovery and research infrastructure?

Yes. The two-track structure signals that CRCNS values both new scientific discovery (Research Proposals) and the infrastructure needed for reproducible, scalable research across labs and disciplines (Data Sharing Proposals).

13) Which agency coordinates the review process?

NSF serves as the coordinating hub for the review process.

14) How are proposals reviewed?

Proposals are evaluated through a joint panel review process involving NSF and the participating domestic and foreign funding organizations.

15) Should applicants check alignment with a specific funder's priorities?

Yes. Because CRCNS spans multiple agencies with different scientific missions, the solicitation encourages applicants to confirm that their project aligns with the priorities of the relevant funder.

16) Where should applicants look for points of contact to confirm fit?

The solicitation directs investigators to consult the agency contact list referenced as Section VIII to clarify whether a proposed topic, approach, or collaboration structure is a good fit for a specific participating organization.

17) What kind of grant program is this (category/type)?

This opportunity is described as a discretionary grant program in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category.

18) What is the estimated total funding amount for this opportunity?

The total estimated funding listed is $20,000,000.

19) Approximately how many awards are expected?

The opportunity indicates an expectation of about 25 awards.

20) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The solicitation states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

21) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any additional clarifications in the full solicitation text.

22) What is the funding opportunity number and title?

The funding opportunity number is 15-595, titled Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience.

23) What kinds of program areas or CFDA areas are associated with CRCNS?

The opportunity is associated with a wide range of CFDA numbers spanning NSF directorates (engineering; mathematical and physical sciences; computer and information science and engineering; biological sciences; social, behavioral, and economic sciences; and international science and engineering) as well as multiple NIH research areas relevant to neuroscience, mental health, addiction, child health and development, vision research, and related domains.

24) What are the key posted dates in the timeline provided?

The timeline information provided indicates a posting/creation date of Aug 1, 2015, an original and current closing date of Oct 29, 2015, and an archive date of Nov 28, 2015.

25) Where were additional details published for this opportunity?

Additional details were made available through NSF Publication 15-595.

26) Where can applicants get technical help accessing the announcement?

Applicants needing technical help accessing the announcement were directed to NSF grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.